The Philadelphia Eagles have refuted claims that their general manager, Howie Roseman, directly contacted running back Saquon Barkley during the legal tampering period earlier this week. This denial came in response to public remarks made by James Franklin, as reported by ESPN’s Tim McManus.
Franklin, the head coach of Penn State, stated on Tuesday that Roseman had emphasized the appeal of playing in Philadelphia, highlighting the connection not only to the Eagles but also to Penn State and its fan base. However, NFL regulations stipulate that teams can only engage with agents during the legal tampering period, unless players are representing themselves.
The Eagles clarified that any communication during this period is conducted solely through agents. On Wednesday, the team officially announced Barkley’s signing to a three-year deal reportedly worth $37.7 million in total. This move marked a significant acquisition in free agency, as Barkley, a former standout for the New York Giants, brings his talents to Philadelphia after six seasons with the Giants.
"This is going to be one of the most difficult offenses to stop in the entire league."
—@Realrclark25 on what Saquon brings to Philly 🦅 pic.twitter.com/temcn2chnW
— First Take (@FirstTake) March 13, 2024
During his tenure with the Giants, Barkley earned two Pro Bowl selections and displayed immense potential, notably securing the Offensive Rookie of the Year award in 2018. Despite facing challenges due to injuries, Barkley remains among the NFL’s premier running backs when healthy, showcasing versatility as a runner, receiver, and blocker.
His arrival adds a dynamic dimension to the Eagles’ offense, which already boasts talents like Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Dallas Goedert, and a formidable offensive line. The team’s offensive performance had faltered towards the end of the 2023 season under former coordinator Brian Johnson.
However, with Kellen Moore assuming the role this offseason, Barkley’s presence promises to invigorate the running game and ease pressure on Hurts in passing situations.
Nevertheless, Barkley’s transition to Philadelphia may be overshadowed by a potential NFL investigation. McManus reported that the NFL declined to comment on the matter, while an Eagles spokesperson stated they were unaware of any communication between the league and the team regarding this issue.
